{"id":581638,"date":"2026-05-23T05:06:25","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T05:06:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/581638\/"},"modified":"2026-05-23T05:06:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T05:06:25","slug":"nhl-rumors-makar-out-senators-goalies-and-gretzkys-cryptic-mcdavid-joke-the-hockey-writers-nhl-rumors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/581638\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Rumors: Makar Out, Senators Goalies, and Gretzky’s Cryptic McDavid Joke – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today\u2019s NHL rumors rundown, the goalie market is shaping up to be one of the key storylines heading into the offseason, with the Ottawa Senators reportedly doing their homework on several potential options. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche revealed that Cale Makar<\/a> is out for Game 2. What\u2019s going on there? Alex Ovechkin\u2019s future in the NHL got a serious update, and Wayne Gretzky jokes about the future of Connor McDavid<\/a> in Edmonton. <\/p>\n

Senators Looking at Different Goalie Options<\/p>\n

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Senators have been linked to pending unrestricted free agents such as Stuart Skinner of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Connor Ingram of the Edmonton Oilers. Both netminders could hit the open market on July 1, though their paths may diverge depending on role expectations.<\/p>\n

Garrioch writes:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Senators have to make sure they get this right. The concern with Ullmark has always been his durability and he was part of a tandem in Boston with Jeremy Swayman. This is an area the club has to get right because strong goaltending is necessary if the Senators are to make it to the playoffs for a third straight spring.\u201d<\/p>\n

source \u2013 \u2018Who can back up Linus Ullmark? Breaking down the Senators\u2019 goalie options\u2019- Bruce Garrioch \u2013 Ottawa Sun \u2013 05\/19\/2026<\/p>\n

Skinner is believed to prefer a clear starting opportunity, while Ingram may be a more realistic fit in a backup role. Ottawa is also considering internal depth options like Leevi Merilainen from AHL Belleville. Other names on the radar include Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes, though his playoff performance could drive up his price, and Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild, who would likely cost significant assets via trade.<\/p>\n

Avalanche Down Makar Again as Injury Concern Grows<\/p>\n

The Colorado Avalanche are once again without their top defenseman<\/a> as Cale Makar remains sidelined for Game 2 of their series against the Vegas Golden Knights. Makar also missed Game 1, where Colorado struggled defensively and fell behind in the series. Observers noted that Makar briefly skated and appeared to test his shoulder but ultimately it was ruled he was unable to go tonight. <\/p>\n

\"CaleCale Makar, Colorado Avalanche (Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

While there is clear urgency given the Avalanche\u2019s early deficit, the situation is being handled cautiously. Makar is pushing to return, but the team medical staff are prioritizing long-term health and risking going down 2-0 in the series. <\/p>\n

Capitals and Ovechkin Eye Potential One-Year Extension<\/p>\n

There is growing belief that Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin could return on a one-year deal for the 2026\u201327 season, according to Barry Svrluga of The Athletic. He writes:<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s be clear: No one is talking about a two-year deal. This would be for 2026-27 \u2014 and Ovechkin would have to deal with the inevitable tributes from every other franchise along the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

source \u2013 \u2018Why Alex Ovechkin might actually return for one more season (and why he might not)\u2019 \u2013 Barry Svrluga \u2013 The Athletic \u2013 05\/22\/2026<\/p>\n

Team owner Ted Leonsis has also indicated that Ovechkin has remained engaged in organizational discussions, including asking about how the team plans to compete next season. Some of the talk has focused on trades, the NHL draft<\/a>, and roster construction. <\/p>\n

Gretzky Weighs in on McDavid Future Talk<\/p>\n

Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky recently added his voice to ongoing speculation about Connor McDavid\u2019s future with the Edmonton Oilers during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show<\/a>. Gretzky praised McDavid\u2019s connection to Edmonton, suggesting the superstar genuinely enjoys playing in the market and wants to win there before winning anywhere else. <\/p>\n

However, Gretzky seemed to leave the door open to the possibility that McDavid might feel the need to see what\u2019s out there if things don\u2019t go well this next season. He joked that he didn\u2019t want to say too much about McDavid\u2019s future. \u201cI kind of like my statue in Edmonton, I don\u2019t want to see it burned down,\u201d he said. In other words, he didn\u2019t want to say out loud what everyone is thinking. <\/p>\n

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